Sea Calendar 1516.
Salto Kingdom, royal palace.
Inside a lavishly decorated reception room, Gild Tesoro and Jim sat side by side on a long sofa, drinking black tea and chatting leisurely.
"Germa Kingdom has now brought five non-World Government allied nations under its rule.
Recently, Judge even took the initiative to provoke a conflict with the Lubneel Kingdom...
That move was rather rash. That country is a World Government allied nation, and I doubt the World Government will stand by and watch Germa Kingdom continue expanding..." Jim muttered, stroking his chin.
Holding an ornate teacup and taking small sips, Gild Tesoro smiled as he explained:
"Vinsmoke Judge is no fool. Perhaps he is merely testing the World Government's bottom line!
Of course, even if war breaks out and Germa wins, Judge does not necessarily need to bring the Lubneel Kingdom under his rule. He could simply demand territory and reparations from them..."
"I see!" Jim nodded in realization.
A red flash flickered through the void, and a Spatial Gate quietly opened.
When they saw Sephiroth step out of the gate, the two quickly rose to their feet, bowed slightly, and called out respectfully:
"Boss!" ×2
"You suddenly contacted me and said there was something urgent that needed to be discussed in person... What happened?"
Sephiroth walked over to a single sofa and leaned back against it, turning his gaze toward Gild Tesoro.
"Boss, here's the situation...
Not long ago, Big Mom Charlotte Linlin sent someone to deliver an invitation. She wants to invite you to her tea party..."
As he spoke, Gild Tesoro placed a pink envelope on the table before him.
"Big Mom's tea party...?
I have no dealings with Big Mom. Why would she invite me?"
Sephiroth picked up the envelope, opened it, and took out a black